Gennaro Gattuso has signed a two-year contract as coach of Valencia and gave his first interview in Spanish: ‘I am here with great pride, I realise how much they want to win, I want to win too.’
The former Milan and Napoli tactician agreed terms over a week ago after flying out to Singapore to meet with his agent Jorge Mendes and Valencia owner Peter Lim.
There were protests from fans and former players, including Santiago Canizares, who criticised Gattuso for past comments that were considered to be sexist, racist and homophobic.
Gattuso highlighting own ignorance with ‘defence’ of discriminatory comments
He arrived in Valencia on Wednesday evening and spoke to reporters at the airport, where he was greeted by celebrating supporters.
“I am very happy to be at Valencia, I am here with great pride. I signed a contract with a centenary club and there will be a press conference tomorrow,” Gattuso said.
“It’s the first time I have been in Valencia. I realise how much the team want to win, I want to win too, and we are preparing to work very hard.”
‘Ringhio’ thanked the fans who came out to greet him for their ‘enthusiasm’.
Asked if he would be eating a classic paella in Valencia, he replied: “No, I’m dieting!”
🔴 #Gattuso appena atterrato a #Valencia: "Sono molto felice" pic.twitter.com/KGR3vCeZDX
— TUTTOmercatoWEB (@TuttoMercatoWeb) June 8, 2022
What a nice guy Gennaro. A hard worker and a warrior!